A Systematic Literature Review on the College Adjustment Experiences of Student Veterans

The purpose of this study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the conflicts experienced by male college students who have completed military service during their re-enrollment process and how they overcome these challenges. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted to comprehensively analyze existing studies. The literature search utilized various academic databases to perform extensive and cross-disciplinary searches. The study found that returning students faced adaptation challenges in academics, relationships, and support, including difficulties resuming studies, low engagement due to foundational knowledge gaps, unmotivated attitudes, and major-related anxiety. Social isolation and limited professor interaction further complicated their experiences. Despite these challenges, they worked to overcome them by cultivating a strong sense of purpose, expanding social networks through university activities, and maintaining a proactive approach to adapting to university life. The significance of this study lies in its ability to contribute to the promotion of student success by supporting the adaptation and academic activities of returning students, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of support services tailored to this population. Furthermore, the findings offer valuable foundational data for higher education administrators focused on student success, providing critical insights for improving university services and identifying strategic directions for service enhancement.